Exploitation of a Ship's Magnetic Field Signatures

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-ix

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2. Introduction

   • John J. Holmes

   Pages 1-3

3. Shipboard Sources of Magnetic Field

   • John J. Holmes

   Pages 5-18

4. Exploitation of Magnetic Signatures by Naval Mines

   • John J. Holmes

   Pages 19-38

5. Exploitation of Magnetic Signatures by Submarine Surveillance Systems

   • John J. Holmes

   Pages 39-59

6. Summary

   • John J. Holmes

   Pages 61-65

7. Back Matter

   Pages 67-67

   PDF

Surface ship and submarine magnetic field signatures have been exploited for over 80 years by naval influence mines, and both underwater and airborne surveillance systems. The generating mechanism of the four major shipboard sources of magnetic fields is explained, along with a detailed description of the induced and permanent ferromagnetic signature characteristics. A brief historical summary of magnetic naval mine development during World War II is followed by a discussion of important improvements found in modern weapons, including an explanation of the damage mechanism for non-contact explosions. A strategy for selecting an optimum mine actuation threshold is given. A multi-layered defensive strategy against naval mines is outlined, with graphical explanations of the relationships between ship signature reduction and minefield clearing effectiveness. In addition to a brief historical discussion of underwater and airborne submarine surveillance systems and magnetic field sensing principles, mathematical formulations are presented for computing the expected target signal strengths and noise levels for several barrier types. Besides the sensor self-noise, equations for estimating geomagnetic, ocean surface wave, platform, and vector sensor motion noises will be given along with simple algorithms for their reduction.

• Naval Surface Warfare Center, West Bethesda, USA

  John J. Holmes

Dr. John J. Holmes received his B.S. (1973), M.S. (1974), and Ph.D. (1977) degrees in electrical engineering from West Virginia University. He joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center (1977) and is currently the Senior Scientist for the Underwater Electromagnetic Signatures and Technology Division, where he is responsible for the development of underwater electromagnetic field signature reduction systems for surface ships and submarines. Dr. Holmes has written 24 peer-reviewed papers, holds 10 patents, received the David Packard Excellence in Acquisition Award (1999), the Meritorious Civilian Service Award (1986), and is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

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